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Former Celtics player Chris Herren talks about addiction struggles

NEWPORT, R.I. - Former Boston Celtics guard Chris Herren will discuss his struggle with addiction at 7 p.m. tonight in the Rodgers Recreation Center on the campus of Salve Regina University. His presentation is sponsored by the Campus Activities Board’s spotlight committee.

Herren struggled with substance abuse for much of his basketball career. Drug- and alcohol-free since Aug. 1, 2008, he has refocused his life to put sobriety and family above all else, and continues to share his story with audiences in the hopes of reaching just one person and making a difference in his or her life.

Herren shares his harrowing story of abuse and recovery in his memoir “Basketball Junkie” and in numerous interviews throughout the Emmy-nominated ESPN documentary “Unguarded,” of which he is the subject.

In inspiring presentations, Herren draws on his own history to convince audiences that it is never too late to follow your dreams, and urges audience members to overcome their setbacks and start making the right choices. To support this vision, he founded The Herren Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing assistance to families affected by addiction.

Free concession stand food will be served prior to the event, including pizza, candy bars, soda and popcorn. Raffle prizes include an autographed Chris Herren Celtics jersey, two Chris Herren T-Shirts, his book “Basketball Junkie,” two Celtics tickets and a basketball. At 6:15 p.m. there will be a knockout contest, and a prize will be awarded to the winner.